MHS is site of active shooter training
By JESSICA BERNHARDT
Contributing writer
Marion County law enforcement officers took part Saturday in a training session at Marion High School to learn how to respond to an active shooter in a school setting.
"The primary goal is to neutralize the active shooter by lethal force or get them to surrender," said Jessey Hiebert, Hillsboro Police officer and president of Marion County Peace Officers Association.
With an increasing number of shootings taking place in schools, local law enforcement officers must be trained and prepared for any situation and be familiar with all schools in the county.
This area would be a prime target for a terrorist or active shooter because it would take so long for help to get here, Hiebert said.
"We would send out an all-call and all area officials would come," Hiebert said.
Four students, Chase Carlson, Lee Vogel, Brittany Davis, and Sydney Balsick assisted with the training by playing "victims." Law enforcement officers were the shooters.
"We have actual students as role players, armed bad guys, and bombs placed throughout the school," Hiebert said.
"What makes [the training] unique is the weapons we're using," he said. "We'll actually get shot and be shooting." Aair soft weapons were used during the exercise.
Officers practiced real-life scenarios and had an opportunity for hands-on training, thanks in part to money collected from a fund-raiser a few months ago for the Marion County Peace Officers Association.
Funds were used to purchase weapons for training sessions. Saturday's session was the first of several exercises that will occur in other county schools.
The class was hosted by the Marion County Peace Officers Association. Marion Police Chief Josh Whitwell, Sgt. Jeff Soyez and Deputy Matt Vogt, both with the Marion County Sheriff's office, were in charge of the exercise.
